Serious Business (Closed to Samantha)

[longterm]

The meeting between Cesare and Samantha had gone well. Surprisingly well. Cesare had promised her money for her centre, some large donations had been made and now all that was left was seeing how Samantha felt about the deal.

Not intending to waste time, Cesare sends Samantha a text the morning the payment goes through: Dinner? -C . Normally he would sign off with both of his initials, but he thinks now is a time to invite Samantha to be on first name terms with him, if she would like.

He invites Samantha to dinner in his hotel, in a half power move, half attempt to give them some privacy. It would be unfortunate if the two of them were seen together and rumours started. As such, they're in a private dining room with their own set of waitstaff.

Their conversation goes well and Cesare enjoys it, but they don't talk business. It's only when the two of them are sipping their nightcaps, looking over the night view of London that Cesare finally mentions something.

"So have you thought about my offer?"

Comments

[brightwitch]

"Persuasion, of course." She gives him a look of mock outrage that he would even suggest blackmail, but the quirk of her lips betrays otherwise. Of course blackmail. "I don't think we should get rid of Peter. I can bring him onside. The Mother of Witches should represent witches. Nora will understand that. And when she steps aside, that gives me a seat at the table."

She takes a sip of her brandy, then puts the glass down on the coffee table before looking up again at Cesare.

"Once I'm in, I can propose a vote of no confidence in Sylvia. But I need a real reason to do that, otherwise no one votes with me and I look like I'm on a crazy power trip. Do you have any idea how hard it is to dig up dirt on Sylvia? Even Mogget won't tell me. But if you can help me find a reason to impeach her..." She gives an elegant shrug with one shoulder. "Maybe I'll return the favour."

[longterm]

Cesare listens very carefully to Samantha, nodding slightly to show his understanding. When it's time for him to respond, he thinks for a second, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought, before his gaze flickers back up to meet hers.

"We have dirt on Sylvia," he says pretty resolutely. "Did you ever notice how she and Millicent interacted? It was odd, wasn't it? It was because Sylvia had promised the vampires immunity in return for Islington's support. She really should have known better, to be honest. It's not like vampires have a tendency to live for a long time and remember or anything."

He shakes his head and takes a swig of his drink.

"She's always been a crooked bitch," he says, not quite appreciating the irony.

[brightwitch]

She never did notice how Millicent and Sylvia interacted, in fact, as she never saw them together. Samantha knew of the old head of the vampires only through the grapevine, not in person. By all accounts she was formidable.

So this is news to her. She raises her eyebrows, taking a moment to digest the revelation. "Okay, so that sounds like a shady backroom deal. Is there proof that she did anything wrong?"

People make political deals all the time. She's learned that very quickly since becoming Mother. It's funny, she doesn't remember vampires being much of a problem back when she was growing up. Maybe Sylvia's deal kept them onside.

[longterm]

"Shady is definitely the word," Cesare replies with a nod. "And I'm sure we can find something. Vampires like to keep records. We're a bit traditional like that. We were granted immunity up until Millicent died. I know Raymond Harris wasn't exactly the most peaceful of leaders, but it seems like a bit more than a coincidence if you ask me. Do you think that's enough to work with?"

Cesare certainly hopes so. He want Sylvia gone. It would be an understatement to say that he simply dislikes her. He actively detests her. Perhaps it's just that she has what he wants, or the fact that she's waved her power in the Nest's face so willingly once Millicent died. Either way, if this doesn't work, Cesare fully intends to find another method of taking her down. Cesare holds grudges.

[brightwitch]

She takes another sip of her drink, shrugging. "Not without proof. You give me the proof, I'll give you something to work with. You get what you want and I get your support to continue my projects." A small smile. "Thank you for the money, by the way. It'll be put to good use."

That's the money he donated to support the Magical Innovation Centre. It's a small reminder that Samantha isn't helping him out of sheer good will or because he's handsome, however true that might be. From her point of view there's no point in getting rid of Sylvia if her replacement blocks her goals just the same. Cesare is only useful as long as he's helping her to get what she wants. And he needs her backing and Peter's backing to ensure he has a majority vote on the Council. Whatever he wants to achieve, he won't be able to do it alone.

[longterm]

Cesare is well aware that this dynamic of theirs is a transaction and one that is still ongoing. He sees what she's trying to say, accepts it and nods, giving her a small smile as he reaches for one of the biscotti that was left with their coffee. He takes a bite.

"I'm glad I could help." He has no doubt she'll put the money to good use, just as he'll put the favour he's earned from it to good use.

"It's the least Ieast I could do for one of my friends." He gives her a smirk, knowing that friends is perhaps a bit of a stretch, but he nevertheless chooses it deliberately. She said they could be friends once. He's making it clear that that's what he wants. Or at least the perks of a friendship.

[brightwitch]

"Friends, huh?" She tilts her head at him, cheeks dimpling as she returns his smile. "Do you often invite your friends over for dinner?"

Especially at such a late hour. She'll probably have to stay now, rely on his hospitality. She's sure he has plenty.

[longterm]

Amusingly enough, Cesare does invite friends over for dinner. A lot. He enjoys fine dining and showing off, which means his pals get invited around often.

"Good point. Not in private rooms. You're a special guest," he replies with a smirk and a nod of his head. The fact that it's so late in the evening, though, is definitely not lost on him. He's very aware of that indeed. "We can still get along, though, can't we?" Cesare is game to get along with her very well indeed.

[brightwitch]

A special guest. She smiles at his phrasing. Guess she might as well find out just how hospitable he is.

Samantha stands up, smoothing the front of her dress. "I don't know. As a special guest, do I get a room to myself? I might have forgotten to check in."

She hasn't booked anything here, of course. It wouldn't do for her name to be on the record.

[longterm]

"Ah. Hmmm. That might be a problem. You see, I'm not entirely sure we have the space. You are more than welcome to join me in my suite though..."

His excuse is a poor one. The hotel is large enough to have at least a few spare rooms almost certainly. But it's about time he put his cards on the table, he thinks. He's interested in her - of course he is - and he might as well make that clear. They've courted each other enough by now, surely? And they get along well. They're both adults here and Cesare isn't looking for anything serious. He suspects Samantha has a similar mindset.

[brightwitch]

That's bullshit and they both know it, but she doesn't mind. If she's going to plot with a vampire, why not go full hog? The offer earns him another smile and she holds out her hand, inviting him to take it.

"A generous offer, as ever. I accept." There's a teasing tone to her voice, but all in good fun. "Lead the way, signor."